Crocodiles have usually been known for their human wildlife conflicts while the crocodile tail has been known in some circles as a delicacy.
Padenga Holdings Limited has proven beyond any reasonable doubt that it is not entirely true that only the crocodile tail is edible. Already producing crocodile meat for export to European and Asian markets, government has committed itself assisting the company in building more global networks.
This is in line with efforts
During a tour of the factory, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Rtd Major General Cde Sibusiso Moyo got a better understanding of which part of the carcass makes more earnings.
A representative from the company noted that there are higher and lower value cuts. Boneless fillets, tails fillets, eye fillets were bringing foreign currency earnings contrary to notion that only the tail can be consumed.
A substantial amount of amount is being fetched from the meat although that cannot be compared to the crocodile skin.
Padenga Holdings Limited (Padenga) is a public whose sole business is the production and sale of crocodilian skins and meat.
Padenga has a long and rich heritage in Zimbabwe, with one of its three production farms being the Kariba Crocodile Farm (KCF) established in 1965 as a small, family run farming operation.
The establishment of this farm was testament to the foresight and perseverance of the original owners as its development preceded any formal recognition of the value of sustainable utilization of wildlife species.
Today, Padenga is one of the world’s leading suppliers of premium quality crocodilian skins, accounting for nearly 85 percent of the supply of Nile crocodile skins to high end luxury brands globally.
Padenga produces watchband size and medium size skins of premium quality for the top end luxury and fashion brands that are known globally.
Other farms into crocodile farming include the Victoria Falls Crocodile Farm, Binga Crocodile Farm and Sumbu Crocodile Farm amongst others.